Taking Dogs On Planes - Does The Airline Matter?

Thinking about bringing your dog on a commercial
airline anytime in the future? We've scoured the
airline's service fees and safety information as
they related to dogs and cats in order to give
you the added information you might need before
you reserve that next trip. With a little
preparation, taking dogs on planes can be less
expensive and much less of a hassle!

Carry-on or Checked?

The first question you need to ask yourself is
whether or not you'll be carrying your dog on
the flight together with you or checking him and
putting him in the hands of the airline to be
carried in the plane's cargo area. This decision
typically comes down to size, with there being
simply no choice but to check larger sized pets
on aircraft.

Keeping your Doggie on with You

Traveling dog owners with dogs small enough
(each airline has varying rules regarding this)
have the option to bring their dog on the flight
with them in the cabin. The main factor we
considered was simply cost. In that regard,
Southwest Airlines was the major carried with
the lowest charge ($75 each way) to carry-on
your dog. The airline also offers the P.A.W.S.
(Pets are Welcome on Southwest) guide. This is a
pleasant move for an air carrier that didn't even
allow dogs (or other animals) only a short while
ago.

Also worthy mention is JetBlue. While they
currently charge more than Southwest ($100 each
way), their Jetpaws program is specifically
designed for travelers flying with dogs on
airplanes. The program features a pet bag tag, a
welcome email with vital information and their
"Pettiquette" guide describing social manners
with regard to pet travel. As an added benefit,
members of JetBlue's frequent flier program,
TrueBlue, receive three hundred points each way
when traveling with their pet.

Checking your Dog

As stated before, pet lovers whose animals are
too large to fit under the seats in front of
them will have to check them at the airline's
check-in counter. In determining which airlines
we preferred, we considered cost as well as
statistics pertaining to fatality rate, injury
and losses.

Based on those criteria, we feel Alaska Airlines
comes out on top. Not only is Alaska the most
affordable for checking animals ($100 each way
compared to as much as $250 each way on other
airlines), they also have experienced a
remarkable safety track record.

Special Note on the Temperatures!

When checking your dog, do not forget that cold
or hot conditions are a severe hazard to the
health of your pet dog. Airline's regulations
vary, but generally, if the weather conditions
are forcasted to become either below 45F or over
85F, you will need a note from your vet stating
that your doggie is acclimated to such
temperatures. Additionally, if you have a
snub-nosed dog, the restrictions on warm
temperatures is typically 75F. Some air carriers
will not allow snub-nosed pets at all inside
their cargo areas throughout warmer months.
Choose early morning journeys whenever possible
during warm weather. Lastly, consult your
airline to find out if the cargo hold is
air-conditioned at any airport the aircraft is
scheduled to visit.

Safe travels for you and your dog(s)!!

----------------------------------------------------
Mr. Santos is a retired executive living in
Rockport, Massachusetts. With several decades of
experience traveling with dogs on planes, cars,
and even boats. He now contributes to a popular
website completely devoted to dog travel. For
more useful travel tips, please visit his
website => http://doggietravelinfo.com

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